Debt Collector Harassment in Idaho Falls, ID

Debt collector harassment is the intimidation, bullying, abuse, or coercion of consumers into paying off the money they owe. In Idaho Falls, Idaho there are two things to consider when thinking about debt collection: harassment and misrepresentation. The presence of either of these things constitutes debt collector harassment and may require you to take legal action against the collector.

Debt Collector Harassment in Idaho Falls, Idaho

Harassing behavior from a debt collector is unlawful. Behavior such as the use of profane language, threatening violence or harm, or falsifying information in order to collect a debt is viewed as harassment, according to the Debt Collection Statutes of Idaho. If you have been subject to any behavior of this type, you have legal standing and avenues to sue the debt collector. An experienced attorney in Idaho Falls can help you make your case.

If you are a victim of any of these examples of harassment, you may have a right to sue the debt collector for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). An experienced Idaho Falls attorney can help you identify your options and build a strong case.

Misrepresentations

Misrepresentations by a debt collector refer to someone making false claims or accusations or using false, deceptive, or misleading practices. This also includes misrepresenting any debt you may have. See some examples of this and other Illegal Debt Collection Practices below:

  • The amount of money you owe
  • False threats saying they will have you arrested
  • Saying they are an attorney if they aren’t one
  • Threats to do something that the debt collector has no intention of doing
  • Threats to take actions that are not within the confines of the law

If you think any Idaho Falls, ID debt collectors may have misrepresented themselves to you, it’s important to remember that you have options. Get in contact with an attorney that understands debt collector law.

Who Are Debt Collectors?

Most people don’t know what a debt collector is until they have one incessantly calling them about paying off debt. So, who are debt collectors? Who do they work for?

Collectors come from a debt collection agency that works with creditors who are owed debts. If you have outstanding debt in Idaho Falls such as credit debt, unpaid loans, and personal loans, your creditor may contact a debt collection agency. This agency then assigns a debt collector to your case.

If you have fallen behind in payments in Idaho Falls, you may have to deal with a debt collection agency such as Medical Recovery Services. Nexacollect has an online guide to debt collectors in the Idaho Falls area.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Idaho Falls, Idaho?

Step 1: Know Your Rights

If you think Idaho Falls debt collectors are harassing you, then it’s important to become familiar with the Basics of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA was passed in 1977 to protect consumers from collection agencies. If a debt collector violates any of the harassment or misrepresentation rules, the victim has a right to sue the collector for violation of the FDCPA.

Step 2: Collect Records

Have you been harassed in Idaho Falls, ID by a debt collector? If so, it’s important to begin to gather evidence.

No collection agency can claim to be able to take your house as payment if it is declared a homestead. In addition, the Attorney General of Idaho declares it illegal for a creditor to call your home phone if you belong to the National Do Not Call Registry. Other illegal practices could include posing as a government entity, or threatening to publish your personal information if you do not comply. If a collection agency has engaged in harassment you should send a Stop Contact letter. Then, gather all correspondence between you and the agency. You should get copies of phone records and payments made. If the harassment continues, you might consider recording the phone conversation, as Idaho is a 1-party consent state concerning electronic recordings.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately

When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Idaho Falls debt collector, it’s easy to get angry and act impulsively. Unfortunately, this can cause you to say or do something detrimental to your case. Instead, try to remain calm and make all your actions deliberate and well-thought-out. Not only will this be better for keeping your stress levels low, but it will prove helpful if you go to court. You can show that you were respectful and calm while the debt collector was the one using abusive language.

Step 4: Ask for Debt Verification

If you’re constantly getting phone calls from Idaho Falls, ID debt collectors harassing you about what you owe, you need to ask for debt verification. Not only will this show whether or not they are misrepresenting your debt, but the debt collector must also stop contacting you until they provide the information you requested. Debt verification should show the amount of debt you owe and the name of the creditor. You have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt. If you don’t dispute the debt, the creditor will assume the debt is valid.

Step 5: Contact an Attorney

If you’re the victim of debt collector harassment, it’s time to stand up and fight back. You deserve to live a life free from abusive and repetitive phone calls. Idaho Falls attorneys that understand What to Expect When Suing for Debt Collection Harassment, and local debt collection laws, can help you make this possible. If the debt collector threatens to or does take legal action regarding your outstanding debts, working with an attorney becomes even more important.

Step 6: Present Your Case

By hiring an experienced Idaho Falls, ID debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.

Once you’ve decided to file suit, you must also decide where to file. Based on the merits of your case, you may wish to file in a state court, like the Bonneville County District Court. However, you’ll also be able to file in federal court at the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.

Remember, you’ll only have 1 year from the date the harassment began to file suit. Anything passed this timetable and the statute of limitations will expire.

Work With an Experienced Idaho Falls, Idaho Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer

If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Idaho Falls, ID it’s time to put an end to it so you can move forward with life. There are laws in place to protect consumers from debt collectors. Legal assistance can help you to navigate these complex laws and defend yourself in court, if necessary.

Are you ready to find a debt collector attorney near you so you can finally fight back against the harassment? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Idaho state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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